Mining block permits issued in Myanmar

Myanmar’s lucrative mining sector is due to issue new gem permits from the Ministry of Mining at 1 million kyat ($1,167) per gem mine block, Mizzima, a Myanmar online news portal, has reported.

Known as the “Golden Land,” Myanmar plays host to large deposits of rare gems and minerals, including sapphires, rubies and jade. Yet while many sanctions placed on the former pariah regime were eased or lifted in 2012, the US has left restrictions on importing rubies and jade from Myanmar intact.

The removal of sanctions “does not affect the existing prohibitions and restrictions on the importation of jadeite and rubies mined or extracted from [Myanmar], and on articles of jewelry containing them,” said a US State Department release issued November 2012.

“We are committed to working with the Government of Burma to address these concerns,” it said.

The permits for new gem mines in Mogoke, Mineshu and Nanyar state will be issued in accordance with the Myanmar gems law, according to a statement issued by the ministry on February 11.

A deep concern of already active mine operators, permits for old jade mine blocks that expired during January, February and May will be renewed.

Another important clarification in the investment law is the dropping of foreign ownership restrictions in joint ventures, except in restricted sectors, such as mining, where they will be capped at 80 per cent.

Myanmar’s lucrative mining sector is due to issue new gem permits from the Ministry of Mining at 1 million kyat ($1,167) per gem mine block, Mizzima, a Myanmar online news portal, has reported.

Known as the “Golden Land,” Myanmar plays host to large deposits of rare gems and minerals, including sapphires, rubies and jade. Yet while many sanctions placed on the former pariah regime were eased or lifted in 2012, the US has left restrictions on importing rubies and jade from Myanmar intact.

The removal of sanctions “does not affect the existing prohibitions and restrictions on the importation of jadeite and rubies mined or extracted from [Myanmar], and on articles of jewelry containing them,” said a US State Department release issued November 2012.

“We are committed to working with the Government of Burma to address these concerns,” it said.

The permits for new gem mines in Mogoke, Mineshu and Nanyar state will be issued in accordance with the Myanmar gems law, according to a statement issued by the ministry on February 11.

A deep concern of already active mine operators, permits for old jade mine blocks that expired during January, February and May will be renewed.

Another important clarification in the investment law is the dropping of foreign ownership restrictions in joint ventures, except in restricted sectors, such as mining, where they will be capped at 80 per cent.